Wednesday, December 02, 2009

circle of style


I was honored to illustrate the door of this stylish lady to be used on her holiday greeting. It was the first card to arrive at my door yesterday and how proud was I to see how she had utilized my art along with a photo of her four smiling children. They look so excited for Christmas! My illustration was like a little tiny treasure on top! Read below for the history of the wreath.


pve design illustration for style chronicle



History of the Wreath;

The wreath is made of various evergreens, signifying continuous life. Even these evergreens have a traditional meaning which can be adapted to our faith: The laurel signifies victory over persecution and suffering; pine, holly, and yew, immortality; and cedar, strength and healing.


Laurel Wreath, Wikepedia

Holly also has a special Christian symbolism: The prickly leaves remind us of the crown of thorns, and one English legend tells of how the cross was made of holly. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life found in Christ. Any pine cones, nuts, or seedpods used to decorate the wreath also symbolize life and resurrection. All together, the wreath of evergreens depicts the immortality of our soul and the new, everlasting life promised to us through Christ, the eternal Word of the Father, who entered our world becoming true man and who was victorious over sin and death through His own passion, death, and resurrection.


Do you deck your door with "a wreath" and have you ever given thought to the origin of this circle of style and symbolism? I just love the history and tradition of the wreath.

thanks to Debra over at life-scapes for these lovely wreath images!

22 comments:

Debra said...

You add such style to everything-who wouldn't want to be invited in for a cup of holiday cheer by the fire? Are the little elves burning the mid-night oil at your workshop?

Purple Flowers said...

We have two wreaths. One on the front door, and one on the trellis in the garden. I smile as I approach the walkway, and hope others feel the welcome.

Purple Flowers said...

Love the architectual detail above the front door, and the tree in the window. So detailed and lovely!

London Calling said...

Lovely illustration for the holiday.

Gwen Driscoll said...

patricia,

i'm doing a post on wreaths later today and i'm going to add a link to your post. love it. i know you've been to my blog and i'm still trying to figure out what i want kind of drawing i want you to do for it or maybe something else i'm working on. i'll be in touch on that after the holidays.

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous! Stylish! a Fab piece of work as usual!
-M

Kwana said...

I did put a wreath out on Sunday the first day of Advent in anticipation. It is something so special once you know about the importance of the wreath.

We Blog Artists said...

Hey P...I haven't forgotten about the Tell all Tuesdays...life has had many surprises recently that I didn't forsee...so I will be starting them up again soon...will email you to inform you.
I love this post about wreaths and your very precious illustration...what a wonderful idea!
Char.x.

La Maison Fou said...

This year, I am constructing a wreath into a peace symbol. With the recent news of many more Americans being deployed in our armed forces, it seems fitting!
Great post,
Leslie

Summer is a Verb said...

One of my biggest holiday regrets is that I didn't get it together in time to have our Christmas card illustrated by you. Next year for sure! This year I'm so behind the eight ball I may be doing the Sams Club eleventh hour special...XXOO

BALLET NEWS said...

Such a stylish piece of artwork ! I'd love it if you did a ballet dancer or two....

pve design said...

Elisa-
I shall post a baller dancer for you soon!
After all it is "Nutcracker" season!!
pve

style chronicle said...

Everyone is raving about our delightful card this year, thanks to you! Everyone should have a PVE card at sometime or another!

elizabeth said...

Always a wreath...sometimes it berries...sometimes it's
holly..but I love the image of a circle on the door..

It's welcoming!

e

Easy and Elegant Life said...

We swag the railings on the porch with fir, and there is a wreath on each window and one in the middle on the railing posts. Never quite satisfied with the one on the front door though. Maybe this year. I think a single large wreath on the front door is effortlessly stylish. Much like your illustration.

the NEO-traditionalist said...

Your illustration is so gorgeous! Talk about the perfect personal touch to the holiday card frenzy. Their greeting will certainly stand out from the crowd and it will be many thanks to you!
XXX Kate

Unknown said...

Love them to and the symbols behind!
And you beautiful illustrations even more!

Cristin // Simplified Bee said...

I love wreaths on doors. This year our door will have a boxwood wreath. They dry beautifully!

Lovely post.

xo,
cristin

Emily said...

A beautiful illustration, and even more so, a beautiful definition of the meaning of the wreath and season of Christmas. Thank you Patricia - you always know just how to present things with style and grace! I can't wait to hang a wreath on my front door!

Boxwood Terrace said...

The drawing makes a perfect holiday card! Your work is beautiful!

Laura @ the shorehouse. said...

Love the holiday card illustration!

I have to say that the thing I love most of all about wreaths is the smell of evergreen every time I open the door. Yummy!

Joyce said...

A very inviting entrance! I like circles because there are no beginnings, no ends and no edges to fall off. I have a wreath that is waiting in the basement to be put up this weekend. Hugs my friend. xo